GE to Maria [Mrs. Richard] Congreve, London, 23 February 1862
Title
GE to Maria [Mrs. Richard] Congreve, London, 23 February 1862
Title
GE to Maria [Mrs. Richard] Congreve, London, 23 February 1862
Sender
George Eliot
Recipient
Maria [Mrs. Richard] Congreve
Date(s)
- 1862-02-23
Place
London
Letter Content
GE to Maria [Mrs. Richard] Congreve, London, 23 February 1862
Text: Cross, II, 289-290, dated 23 February 1861.
If you are in London this morning, in this fine dun-coloured fog, you know how to pity me. But I feel myself wicked for implying that I have any grievances. Only last week we had a circular from the clergyman at Attleboro, 31 where there is a considerable population entirely dependent on the ribbon trade, telling us how the poor weavers are suffering from the effects of the Coventry strike. And these less known undramatic tales of want win no wide help, such as has been given in the case of the Hartley colliery accident. 32
Your letter was a contribution towards a more cheerful view of things, for whatever may be the minor evils you hint at, I know that Mr Congreve's better health and the satisfaction you have in his doing effective work will outweigh them. We have had a Dr Wyatt here lately -- an Oxford physician -- who was much interested in hearing of Mr Congreve again -- not only on the ground of Oxford remembrances, but from having read his writings.
I was much pleased with the affectionate respect that was expressed in all the notices of Mr Clough 33 that I happened to see in the newspapers. They were an indication that there must be a great deal of private sympathy to soothe poor Mrs Clough, if any soothing is possible in such cases. That little poem of his which was quoted in the [Spectator] 34 about parted friendships touched me deeply.
You may be sure we are ailing, but I am ashamed of dwelling on a subject that offers so little variety.
Text: Cross, II, 289-290, dated 23 February 1861.
If you are in London this morning, in this fine dun-coloured fog, you know how to pity me. But I feel myself wicked for implying that I have any grievances. Only last week we had a circular from the clergyman at Attleboro, 31 where there is a considerable population entirely dependent on the ribbon trade, telling us how the poor weavers are suffering from the effects of the Coventry strike. And these less known undramatic tales of want win no wide help, such as has been given in the case of the Hartley colliery accident. 32
Your letter was a contribution towards a more cheerful view of things, for whatever may be the minor evils you hint at, I know that Mr Congreve's better health and the satisfaction you have in his doing effective work will outweigh them. We have had a Dr Wyatt here lately -- an Oxford physician -- who was much interested in hearing of Mr Congreve again -- not only on the ground of Oxford remembrances, but from having read his writings.
I was much pleased with the affectionate respect that was expressed in all the notices of Mr Clough 33 that I happened to see in the newspapers. They were an indication that there must be a great deal of private sympathy to soothe poor Mrs Clough, if any soothing is possible in such cases. That little poem of his which was quoted in the [Spectator] 34 about parted friendships touched me deeply.
You may be sure we are ailing, but I am ashamed of dwelling on a subject that offers so little variety.
Citation
George Eliot, GE to Maria [Mrs. Richard] Congreve, London, 23 February 1862, Complete George Eliot Letters(2026), George Eliot Archive, edited by Beverley Park Rilett. https://GeorgeEliotArchive.org, Accessed September 7, 2026. https://georgeeliotarchive.org/items/show/93639